The essentials: Must-try Chicago bars and restaurants

CaptionThe Cove Lounge

Lenny Gilmore/RedEye

1750 E. 55th St. 773-684-1013 Looks like: The yellowed basement den where your great uncle mounted his fishing trophies and let you try a sip of his Rolling Rock Smells like: Soggy floors and greasy takeout Sounds like: Broken-in conversation, cracking foosballs, a song you know all the word

1750 E. 55th St. 773-684-1013 Looks like: The yellowed basement den where your great uncle mounted his fishing trophies and let you try a sip of his Rolling Rock Smells like: Soggy floors and greasy takeout Sounds like: Broken-in conversation, cracking foosballs, a song you know all the word (Lenny Gilmore/RedEye)